So...here's another work-in-progress.
I do hope y'all like it :)
Deep breath, Bella, you can do this. He's out there waiting for you...I was trying, unsuccessfully, to persuade myself to take the runway.
"Let the show begin," The announcer's voice rung loudly, a couple howls rose from the crowd as I pushed aside the red curtain. I took one step after the other, keeping my eyes on the back of the room, not meeting the anxious, staring faces that surrounded me.
Whistles sounded all around me. I looked around, knowing there was only one face I wanted to see.
"Edward Cullen, he's Alice's brother," Jasper Hale, my boss, had told me a few minutes before. I'd seen the beautiful, pale face staring up at me show after show. And yet, the guy refused to talk to me. Or so Jasper had said.
And there he was, in the very back of the room, standing statue still, arms folded tightly across his chest, eyes locked on mine. Same as every other time I had seen him.
I let out a deflated sigh but followed through with my routine, walking to the end of the runway, turning once-twice-three times so the short dress could flare, showing off the full beauty of the delicate dress. The crowd sighed and clapped as I made my way back down the long runway strip, passing Rosalie Hale on my way. She flashed her breathtaking smile at the crowd. I heard the crowd go wild.
After stepping behind the curtain Alice Cullen's cold fingers gripped my arm and yanked me gently, if it could be called that, behind the nearest dressing room door.
"Don't even think about it, Bella," Her voice was like the tinkling of bells.
Aw crap, caught again.
"Well, Alice, it's a little late to not think about it. But if you must know, I wasn't going to act on it," I crossed my arms, unconsciously rubbing the chilled spot on my arm that she had recently touched.
"Just don't do it," And with that she was gone.
I shook my head, the curls nearly hitting me in the face.
"It's not like I was going to do it," I grumbled, dragging the high heels that adorned my feet across the ground as I made my way to the crowded dressing room. I had only one more walk, and then I would be free to head back home to Charlie.
Sliding out of the teal dress and into a silky blue one, just a little longer, the sleeves fell off my shoulders, draping onto my arms. I took one look in the mirror and rolled my eyes at Alice's choice. The silk hugged my form much better than the previous one. I twisted around in front of the mirror and felt a smugness wash over me- this was the dress.
And there was Alice, suddenly beside me. I stared at her for a second, still not used to the way she seemed to pop out of nowhere, even after knowing her for over 5 months.
"I said not to think about it," She shook her head and the cool feeling of her hand on my arm made me jump. "Come on, it's almost your turn."
"So you know I have no chance with him?" I asked her, my lip jutting out.
"Don't give me that look. And I will not tell you," A small smile played on her lips before pushing me towards the stage. I glanced back at her and she gave me a thumb up. "Don't fall." She mouthed.
As if I needed to be reminded of my klutziness. But I would not fall.
I tripped seconds later as I walked to the curtain. I composed myself and tried to ignore Rosalie's snickering.
"And the finale…!" The crowd cheered and I walked through the scarlet curtains. The lights had been dimmed and a spotlight shone from above, illuminating me. I could feel the gasps from all around me. I walked casually down the runway, my hips swaying in an odd rhythm to the slow music playing from the speakers. The rest of the girls followed behind me wearing different colors of the same dress.
Finally making it to the end of the catwalk I began to turn and a camera snapped, the light going off, disorienting me and I slipped. The gasps of the people around me were loud in my ear. Next thing I remember is looking up into the face of my angel.
However short I still appreciate reviews.
The next chapter will be longer, of course.
This was just a simple taste of what is to come.